Picture this: a talented guard who transforms a devastating injury into fuel for an epic comeback, ready to dominate the court once more. That's the inspiring journey of Chendall Weaver as he gears up for the upcoming Texas Longhorns basketball season. But here's where it gets intriguing – how does a player known for defense pivot toward becoming a sharpshooter? Let's dive into the details and uncover what makes Weaver's story so compelling.
During a typical summer training session, senior guard Chendall Weaver would launch the basketball from beyond the three-point arc anywhere from 500 to 1,000 times. When quizzed about his success rate, he quipped with a laugh, 'I’ll say a good percentage.' Yet, despite all those practice shots, Weaver isn't your stereotypical high-flying scorer who dazzles with flashy points. Instead, over the past two seasons, fans have witnessed him sprinting up and down the court, leveraging his athletic prowess to shine on defense through grabbing rebounds and snagging steals.
Texas men's basketball head coach Sean Miller recognized this potential long before joining the Longhorns. He had firsthand experience coaching against Weaver during last year's First Four matchup in the NCAA Tournament, where Texas faced off against Xavier. In that contest, Weaver entered from the bench and outplayed more than two of the starting lineup, tallying seven points, two assists, three rebounds, and three steals in an 80-86 defeat.
'Chendall Weaver is one of our best players,' Miller remarked. 'I don’t know if the outside world really understands the talented basketball player he is because he missed so much time last year. When we were preparing to play Texas in the spring in the (NCAA) tournament, there were two different teams. There was the team that you watched without Chendall, then there was a team with Chendall, and you could really see how he impacted winning.'
Weaver's journey took a hit when a groin injury sidelined him during a January 7 matchup against Auburn, keeping him off the court for 15 games straight – all during crucial Southeastern Conference action. Now, with Miller as his coach at Texas and Weaver returning after a junior year plagued by injuries, the player reflects on the experience with surprising optimism. '(My injury) helped me a little bit just to get my focus back,' Weaver shared. 'I feel like being injured was a blessing.' And this is the part most people miss – turning adversity into advantage, a mindset that could redefine his career.
Fully recovered and stepping onto the court for his senior year, Weaver is not only conditioning his body to endure the grind but also evolving his game, particularly in three-point shooting. Throughout his college tenure, including his freshman stint at UT-Arlington, he's averaged just 1.6 attempts from beyond the arc, connecting on 35.7% of those shots. But fans might spot a shift this season, with Weaver poised to take more open long-range shots. 'I’m taking all the open (three-point shots). I can prove you that,' he declared when asked about his per-game volume. 'I would say maybe three to four a game. I’m not going to force it.'
Adding to his preparation, Weaver has bulked up by ten pounds, a change Miller believes will enhance his durability and physicality in the fast-paced style of play. The coach remains optimistic about Weaver's shooting improvement but emphasizes that his true value lies in his versatility as a two-way player – meaning he's equally effective on offense and defense, impacting the game in multiple ways. 'It’s not points per game with him, although I do think he’s a capable, consistent scorer,' Miller explained. 'It’s everything else he does. His ability to make plays on defense. A steal, a block, fly around the court and impact a lot of different plays. I think he’s best in transition.'
As Weaver and the Longhorns prepare to hit the hardwood in less than a month, they'll kick off at the Dick Vitale Invitational, facing off against basketball powerhouse Duke on November 4. 'We played in Charlotte,' Weaver noted, 'it’s a great environment and I’m going to love it.'
Now, here's where it gets controversial: Is Weaver's newfound focus on three-point shooting a smart evolution, or could it dilute his defensive strengths that have defined him? Some might argue that pushing for more threes risks turning a lockdown defender into just another perimeter threat, potentially weakening the team's overall balance. What do you think – will this strategy elevate Weaver to star status, or should he stick to his roots? Do you believe viewing an injury as a 'blessing' is a healthy mindset for athletes, or does it downplay the real struggles of recovery? Share your opinions in the comments below – let's discuss!
